Ever tried lining up for the Bandai Namco Festival in Shanghai? If so, you might have been in for a surprise this week… 🎮🚪
Late in November 2025, Bandai Namco confirmed that its flagship festival in the Chinese mainland was canceled after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks on Taiwan. By the time staff posted cancellation notices and started dismantling booths, many anime and gaming fans showed up only to be gently turned away by security.
It wasn’t just Bandai Namco. Big names like singer Otsuki Maki, pop icon Ayumi Hamasaki, and jazz virtuoso Hiromi Uehara saw their concerts and public gigs in the Chinese mainland either postponed or scrubbed entirely. Stage shows—from the live musical of "Sailor Moon" to Yoshimoto Kogyo’s comedy nights—hit the pause button too.
Fans might feel bummed, but most have been taking it in stride, understanding how quickly politics can ripple into pop culture. Whether you’re a cosplay champ prepping for your next con or a playlist curator hunting fresh tracks, this wave of cancellations is a reminder: in 2025, the worlds of tech, culture, and geopolitics are more intertwined than ever.
What’s next? Keep an eye on social feeds and official channels for updates. Meanwhile, whether you’re in Jakarta, Delhi, or Bangkok, it’s a good time to dive into new indie creators and support grassroots festivals popping up across South and Southeast Asia. After all, our region’s vibrant scene is proof that when one stage goes dark, a thousand more light up. 💡
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
